City of Port Coquitlam declares May 23 as ‘Komagata Maru Remembrance Day’

THE City of Port Coquitlam on Tuesday declared May 23 as “Komagata Maru Remembrance Day.”

The City of Surrey had on May 4 also declared May 23 as “Komagata Maru Remembrance Day.”

Raj Singh Toor, Vice President and spokesperson for the Descendants of the Komagata Maru Society, who had requested Brad West, Mayor of Port Coquitlam, and the City Council, for the proclamation, thanked them, noting: “It’s a great tribute to those Komagata Maru passengers who suffered a lot during the tragedy.”

The proclamation reads:

WHEREAS on May 23, 1914, three hundred and seventy-six British Subjects from India of Sikh, Muslim and Hindu origin arrived in Vancouver Harbour aboard the Komagata Maru, seeking to enter Canada, and were forced to leave; and

WHEREAS in 2008 and 2016, the BC Government and Government of Canada apologized for this act of discrimination, committing to learn from the mistakes of the past, to ensure they are never repeated; and

WHEREAS the City of Port Coquitlam is committed to protecting people from hate, racism, and discrimination and promoting multiculturalism and the full participation of all individuals in society; and

WHEREAS the City of Port Coquitlam is home to many diverse cultures, where individuals can practice their beliefs and customs while respecting and learning from other traditions.

NOW THEREFORE: I, Brad West, Mayor of the Corporation of the City of Port Coquitlam,